At a ceremony on Saturday 27 May, Warwick District Council’s new Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Leisure and Environment, Councillor Katie Hunt, was joined on court by Vice Chairman Councillor Robert Margrave and Sherrie Meeking and Colin Mercer from the Warwickshire LTA.

The opening event coincided with a weekend of free ‘turn up and play’ tennis sessions for adults and juniors at Victoria Park and the other Warwick District Council owned facilities at Christchurch Gardens (Leamington Spa) and St Nicholas Park (Warwick), giving people from the local community the opportunity to get on court to enjoy a game, with LTA qualified coaches at each venue, and community tennis operator, ‘We Do Tennis’ supplying all equipment. 

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 16 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.

The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, floodlighting, nets and posts and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The introduction of small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come, details of these charges can be found on the Warwick District Council website. The LTA and Warwick District Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

Councillor Katie Hunt, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Leisure and Environment said:

“We know how popular and well-used all of these courts are for those who enjoy the game of tennis. We are therefore delighted that thanks to a significant investment from the LTA, we can offer local people year-round access to these high-class facilities, opening them up for even more groups and individuals to take up the sport.”   

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:

“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Warwick District Council officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.

“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: 

"We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.

"The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Warwick District Council.”

"These improved tennis facilities across Warwick District will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu."